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  • Lights, Camera, Funding! Eloelo Bags $13.5 Million for Its Multilingual Live Social Entertainment Platform

    Eloelo, India’s leading live social entertainment platform, today announced it has raised INR 114.3 crore ($13.5 million) in its Series B funding round. The round was led by Play Ventures and saw participation from Kalaari Capital, MIXI Investments, Gameskraft Technologies, Griffin Gaming Partners, Waterbridge Ventures, Courtside Ventures & Rocket Capital.

    “Play Ventures believes that next-generation social platforms built natively for mobile-first and video-first communities remains a massively untapped opportunity. We’re incredibly excited to partner with the Eloelo team as they pioneer a new category of interactive social entertainment for India and beyond. We’re seeing the convergence of creator-led content, real-time community engagement, and gamified social experiences reshaping how digital natives connect and express themselves. We believe Eloelo is at the forefront of this shift, bridging live streaming, gaming and culture in a way that’s uniquely local and globally scalable. As verticalized platforms continue to unbundle legacy social media, we see Eloelo carving out a powerful new category in the social entertainment landscape”, said Anton Backman, Partner at Play Ventures.

    Eloelo is pioneering a new-age consumer social platform to become the ‘Digital Third Place for Bharat’ by blending interactive live streams with gamification & micro payments. The platform enables creators to host interactive video and audio livestreams in their local languages using AI-led tools to build a community, engage & monetize directly from their audiences. 

    To date, Eloelo has raised over $50 million in funding, including a $22 million round in September 2023 led by Courtside Ventures and Griffin Gaming Partners. Eloelo competes directly or indirectly with other platforms like Sharechat, Frnd, Lokal in the live streaming and social entertainment space.

    Saurabh Pandey, Founder & CEO of Eloelo, says, “Eloelo is bringing the ‘Social’ back in consumer social platforms at a time when most platforms are built for passive content viewing. We believe that feeling connected to others is a primary human need of belongingness, and we are solving that across 8 languages by connecting Indians over interactive livestreams with games, chat & virtual gifting to express their emotions. With close to 400 Million aspirational middle India consumers, we believe this is a massive underserved market which needs India-first solutions. Extremely proud of our team that has built a platform that handles large scale concurrency in live streams in 8+ languages along with building gen-AI tools to empower creators. The Series B round shows us the belief that our existing and new investors place on our vision and execution ability”

    According to Lumikai’s latest ‘State of India Interactive Media & Gaming Report’, the media & entertainment market in India is worth $25 billion, of which new media like esports, gaming, live streaming & digital media is worth $12 billion, expanding rapidly at a 16% CAGR.

    With the Indian digital landscape rapidly evolving, Eloelo’s unique blend of streaming, gamification and social interactivity positions it at the forefront of the creator economy revolution. What is particularly interesting is that unlike other consumer platforms that rely on ads or subscriptions, Eloelo is completely ad-free and does not paywall content.

    Speaking on Eloelo’s revenue, Saurabh added, “We switched on monetization in May 2024 after 2-3 years of building the platform capabilities and scaling rapidly to hit PMF. In less than a year of launch, we are now hitting a 200 crore Annual revenue run rate ($23M ARR) with 1.5 million paying users and are one of the fastest-growing platforms in India at this scale. Consumer Tech in India is going through a massive shift away from ad-first models to micro payments, and we are happy to be powering this shift. Gone are the days when India was the MAU farm of the world – we are here to prove that the Bharat-first models have massive monetization potential as we track towards a $60M run rate by end of this year. Beyond just numbers, the impact I am truly proud of at Eloelo is that more than 20,000 creators are now earning a livelihood by streaming and building their own digital communities” 

    The fresh infusion of Series B capital will enable Eloelo to go deeper into Gen-AI use cases, international expansion in Indian diaspora markets, and scaling revenue further with more use cases, as it aims to build a large media and entertainment powerhouse.

    About Eloelo

    Incorporated in July 2020, Eloelo is a unique leader in the Live Social Entertainment space by combining interactive live streams with games, chat & creator tools. It is tailored to the communication preferences of young Indians in video and audio formats, in various Indian languages, and ranked at the top in the Entertainment category on Google Play Store, fostering connections among over 90 million users and 150,000+ creators.

  • New Aadhaar App Released: No Need for Physical Copies as it Comes With Face ID Authentication

    The Centre on 8 April unveiled a new Aadhaar app that enables users to digitally verify and share their Aadhaar details, marking a significant advancement in digital convenience and privacy. Thus, there is no longer a need to provide photocopies or carry actual cards. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and IT, formally unveiled the app in the nation’s capital. The minister emphasised the value of digital innovation and said the app was an attempt to make Aadhaar authentication quicker, simpler, and more secure.

    New Features will Make Life Easier for Card Holders

    In a video message shared on the social media site X, Vaishnaw claimed that the new Face ID authentication feature of the Aadhaar App will eliminate the need for cardholders to carry a physical card or a photocopy. He went on to say that the app gives users the ability to securely transmit only the information that is required and only with their permission. Users now have total control over their personal information and can share only the information that is required with a single tap, he continued. Face ID identification is one of the app’s most notable features; it improves security and streamlines verification. Similar to making a UPI payment, a QR code scan can now be used to verify an Aadhaar account. The minister further explained on X that Aadhaar verification is as easy as using UPI to make a payment. Now, users may securely communicate and digitally validate their Aadhaar information. People will no longer have to present paper copies of their Aadhaar cards at airports, hotels, stores, or other verification locations thanks to this new method.

    The App Guarded with Strong Security Features

    Strong privacy measures have been incorporated into the design of the software, which is presently under beta testing. It guarantees that Aadhaar information cannot be altered, tampered with, or exploited. Only with the user’s consent is information securely shared. Vaishnaw underlined the importance of AI and digital public infrastructure (DPI) in forming India’s digital future while referring to Aadhaar as the “aadhaar” (basis) of numerous government programmes. He asked interested parties to offer ideas on how to combine DPI and artificial intelligence (AI) to spur additional growth, with privacy at the centre.

    ChatGPT Creates Fake Adhaar and PAN Cards

    For Indian citizens, Aadhaar cards—issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)—are an essential form of identification. However, with OpenAI’s introduction of GPT-4o’s picture-generating feature, this once-secure document is now up against an unexpected new threat. More than 700 million photos have been created by users since the launch of GPT-4o, some of which uncannily mimic actual Aadhaar and PAN cards. Social media users have started posting pictures of AI-generated Aadhaar cards with their own photos on them, which is a concerning trend. Important components like layout, fonts, and style seem incredibly lifelike, even though facial features aren’t always flawless. An image of Elon Musk’s Aadhaar card was even posted by one user; it was so realistically produced that it seemed like a legitimate government document.

  • Creddinv Launches ‘The Smart Investor’ App

    Bengaluru, India – April 10, 2025: Creddinv, India’s premier curated startup investment platform, is set to revolutionise the way investors engage with startups through its new app, ‘Creddinv: The Smart Investor’, launching today.

    This first-of-its-kind application is designed exclusively for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), angel investors, and venture capitalists looking to seamlessly discover and invest in India’s most promising startups.

    Key Features of the Smart Investor App: 

    • Curated Startup Listings: Access thoroughly vetted and high-potential startup investment opportunities. 
    • Seamless Investment Process: Invest in a few clicks with a secure and intuitive interface. 
    • Real-Time Portfolio Tracking: Monitor your investments and stay updated with market insights. 
    • Exclusive Investor Community: Network with seasoned investors and industry experts. 

    The Smart Investor App becomes an exclusive gateway to invest in startups through Creddinv’s Premium Series, which will assign investors a dedicated investment banker to manage their portfolios. 

    What is the Premium Series? 

    Premium Series is a curated investment experience launched by Creddinv for investors seeking high-potential private equity opportunities in early-stage startups. Unlike pooled investments like AIF Category I, the Premium Series allows investors to invest directly in a startup’s cap table via Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) alongside prominent angel investors and institutional funds.

    Each cohort in the Premium Series features a highly selective group of startups across trending sectors like fintech, electric vehicles (EV), SaaS, agri-tech, consumer & FMCG, Robotics and AI. Only 2% of the startups evaluated make it to the final portfolio—ensuring you only see the best of the best. 

    “We believe the future of wealth creation lies in startup investments, and with the Smart Investor App, we are empowering investors to be at the forefront of India’s entrepreneurial revolution by letting them know every step they take,” said Anil Kumar Kar, Director and Co-founder of Creddinv.

    With startup investments emerging as a key asset class in India’s booming private equity landscape, Creddinv’s Smart Investor App is set to democratise access to high-growth opportunities while making startup investments more transparent, efficient and profitable.

    “For years, investing in startups has been complex and reserved for a select few. Today, we change that. The Smart Investor App makes it easier than ever to discover, evaluate and invest in the next big thing in the most transparent way possible,” said Nandakishor, director and co-founder of Creddinv. 

    The app will be available for download on iOS and Android starting April 10, 2025.

    Stay tuned for more updates and be among the first to experience the future of startup investing!

    Creddinv: The Smart Investor App

    About Creddinv 

    Creddinv Technologies offers a platform where startup founders and investors connect seamlessly for mutual success. Creddinv revolutionises investing by lowering entry barriers and matching investors with diverse investment opportunities. With its upcoming expansion into wealth creation and portfolio management services, Creddinv continues to provide valuable options for a comprehensive, balanced and informed investment journey.

    For more information, visit website: www.creddinv.in

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  • FM Nirmala Sitharaman Showcases India’s Investment Edge at UK Investor Roundtable

    While on her official trip to London, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke to a group of more than 60 elite UK investors at the India-UK Investor Roundtable and urged them to take the plunge and invest in India. 

    Sitharaman extolled the virtues of the Indian economy and its banking sector in particular. She maintained that the Indian banking landscape is open to all kinds of investors, and encouraged them to consider investments in sectors like banking, fintech and insurance. 

    Invest in India

    The session put together by the Ministry of Finance put forth India as an investment destination and was dubbed as “Making India an Investment Destination.” The structure of the session was reminiscent of Invest India sessions. Even the choice of speakers was along those lines. Nirmala Sitharaman, finance minister, spoke at this session. On the eve of an important global financial architecture meeting, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, it was significant for India to highlight its reform journey.

    Spotlight on Banking, Insurance, and GIFT-IFSC

    Sitharaman accentuated the great prospects that exist in India’s banking and insurance sectors. She mentioned that the country is on track to become the sixth-largest insurance market in the world by the year 2032. She expressed great enthusiasm over this space’s projected growth rate of 7.1 percent CAGR between the years 2024 and 2028, making this sector’s growth rate one of the most dynamic in the G20.

    Furthermore, she emphasized that India is moving toward a cycle of T+1 securities settlements, a next-generation step in capital-market infrastructure. With a total market cap of $4.6 trillion, India ranks fourth among the world’s largest capital markets.

    She also underlined the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC), India’s premier offshore financial center. With more than 800 registered entities spanning banking, insurance, aircraft leasing, and fintech, GIFT-IFSC offers tax breaks, regulatory simplicity, and the freedom to make transactions in foreign currencies, making it the go-to destination for global capital.

    Fintech Surge Captivates Investor Interest

    Sitharaman’s comments laid a lot of attention to the fintech sector, which, in her view, is bursting with potential in India. The country’s adoption rate of 87 percent is far above the global benchmark of 64. This aligns with the perception that the proliferation of funding and fintech innovation in the country positions it favorably to capture more of the digital economy.

    The government is backing startups and digital innovation, and Sitharaman made that clear at the Mumbai event. She told potential investors they should consider this high-growth ecosystem.

    Strengthening India-UK Financial Ties

    The roundtable served also as a space for UK investors to give their feedback on India’s policy landscape and express their interest in a more profound collaboration. Several participants, part of the UK investment community, welcomed the reform trajectory and indicated they would be ready for broader engagement.

    Sitharaman’s trip comes at the same time as the 13th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, during which she will meet her opposite number, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in the UK. The talks will focus largely on speeding up trade, working to deepen the economic partnership, and pushing the current Free Trade Agreement negotiations to fruition.

  • Trump Freezes Most Tariffs for 90 Days, Escalates Trade War with China

    U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 90-day halt on his sweeping tariff hike aimed at most nations, an apparent softening of a trade policy that had upset otherwise calm global markets. But it still continues to hit China hard: the announcement disclosed that its planned steep tariff of 104 percent on Chinese imports would be raised instead to a whopping 125 percent.

    China Faces the Heat

    Trump has raised the tariff on Chinese imports, first to 104%, and then, somewhat absurdly, to 125%. He claimed these tariffs were long overdue and justified by what he called a long history of Chinese trade exploitation and a lack of respect for global trade rules.

    China lost no time to reply. Within hours, it slapped an 84 percent tariff on U.S. goods, escalating tensions in a situation that looks ever more like a trade war. This latest confrontation follows earlier rounds of tariff retaliation and adds additional strain to a relationship that was already defined by suspicion and economic rivalry.

    Global Fallout and Market Whiplash

    The very first imposition of Trump’s all-encompassing tariffs had prompted big sell-offs in all the main stock exchanges around the world. Yet, after the 90-day delay was announced on these tariffs, at least for now, the price for several shares shot back up.

    The Dow Jones gained nearly 3,000 points. That’s close to an 8 percent increase. The S&P 500 was up by over 9 percent. And would you believe it, the tech-heavy Nasdaq was up more than 12 percent in just one day?

    Even with this rally, analysts are still uncertain. Trump’s tariffs on steel, aluminum, and certain drugs are still making the rounds. And there are more and more questions being raised about the potential fallout for the Indian pharmaceutical industry, which supplies almost 40% of the generics U.S. consumes. This could be Trump’s next target.

    Harsh Rhetoric, Unpredictable Strategy

    Trump’s language has garnered even his supporters’ criticism. He asserted that global power brokers are pleading to negotiate, and he used the most basic expressions imaginable to convey their enthusiasm. This, of course, is just how the guy talks, but it led some voices on Trump’s right flank to question whether his papal visit part two is really what America needs right now.

    Although his tone is confrontational, Trump insists that his approach serves American workers and not the interests of multinationals. Even allies, though, are starting to wonder whether his aggressive trade agenda is worth the long-term cost.

  • Oil Sinks to Four-Year Low Amid Tariff War: Is a Tactical Crude Rebound on the Horizon?

    Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest in four years, with both dropping 16% in just a week. The drop was set off by China meting out a retaliatory 84% tariff on U.S. oil, just as the Trump administration was pushing its own aggressive 104% tariff hike. Brent now goes for USD 60.35 a barrel, while WTI hovers near USD 57.23 after a sharp midweek drop that saw it lose as much as 7%.

    In the current context, the main challenges emerge from the following factors:

    1. Mounting global risks (climate change, food insecurity, pandemics etc.) are not being sufficiently funded.

    2. Debt vulnerability and restructuring are not being adequately addressed.

    3. Global growth is increasingly dependent on the Bank’s scale.

    4. Resource mobilization for transforming investment landscapes is not generating enough funds.

    5. The private sector, often seen as a game changer, is nearly missing in action.

    Global Demand Fears, Policy Uncertainty Compound Pressure

    The market’s selloff is a direct consequence of the intensifying concerns about a downturn in worldwide growth and a softening demand for oil. Ever since Trump’s tariff announcement on April 2, the price of oil has dropped by almost 20 percent, its worst five-day slide since early 2022.

    Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley analysts have reduced their 2025 oil forecasts, estimating that by year’s end the Brent price will be around USD 62 and WTI around USD 58. In fact, they see the oil market weakening further, into 2026 and beyond, as a plentiful global supply, coupled with some anticipated softness in demand, works to keep prices down.

    MCX Crude at Key Technical Levels

    As per the commodity analyst Gyan Ranjan Singh, the MCX crude oil broke a major support level around INR 4,975 and has formed a descending triangle, a bearish continuation pattern. Our Momentum indicators show RSI near 21 (deeply oversold), while the increased volume during the breakdown confirms bearish control.

    The next crucial support level has been defined by Singh at INR 4,666, with near-term stability possibly being found around INR 4,800–4,870. Despite the dismal technicals, the formation of an oversold setup gives room for a tactical recovery scenario if confirmation signals come in.

    Tactical Bullish Setups for Short-Term Traders

    The oversold condition offers an opportunity for traders to take short-term bullish positions and bet on recovery. Traders might look for an entry point between 4,800 and 4,870, with a stop-loss set at 4,600. If we go back to when the stock was in the 5,380 to 5,535 range, that kind of target might be considered a reasonable upside.

    Candlestick reversal patterns or RSI divergence should be waiting for swing traders to initiate positions. Yet volatility is what it is. Hence, we must manage risk. In swing trading, this can translate into using smaller position sizes and employing trailing stops in order to navigate the resistance zones the price attempts to rebound from.

  • Indian Pharma Stocks Slide as Trump Hints at Tariffs on Drug Imports

    Indian pharmaceutical stocks saw a sharp drop on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump signaled that a new wave of tariffs on drug imports might be coming. The Trump thumbs-up for tariffs rattled investor confidence and sent the Nifty Pharma index down 1.7 percent in early trade. This also had the effect of dragging the broader Nifty 50 down with it, as that index slipped 0.52 percent.

    Each stock in the 20-member pharma index was down, painting the sector with a broad brush of negativity following the announcement. Gland Pharma, Lupin, and Zydus Lifesciences saw the sharpest descent, with their stocks dropping between 3% and 5%. Sun Pharma and Cipla, leading names in the market, weren’t spared either, with their stock prices falling 1.69% and 1.87%.

    India’s Generics Exports at Risk

    One of the world’s biggest suppliers of off-patent pharmaceuticals, India, sends a considerable chunk of its pharmaceutical exports to the United States. Nearly a third of the drugs that India sells abroad go to the U.S., whose longstanding low- or no-tariff regime has made it a welcoming market.

    At present, Indian pharmaceutical firms have mostly unfettered access to selling their drugs in the American market, while the United States exports to India a vast array of goods, including around a billion dollars’ worth of drugs, on which India imposes tariffs of about 10%. Any US tariffs imposed on Indian drug companies in retaliation for not allowing US firms into the Indian drug market would likely be offset by reduced Indian tariffs on American drugs. The net effect would be a lowering of the prices of medicines for Americans.

    Trump Pushes for Domestic Production

    At the National Building Museum in Washington, Trump gave a speech urging change to the pharmaceutical supply chain. He wants the drugmakers to manufacture in the U.S., instead of shipping stuff in from overseas. “Tariffs on pharma will be there because we don’t make our own pharma drugs; they are made in another country. The same packet in the US is priced at USD 10 or more. We are going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon. The advantage we have is, we are very big market. Very shortly, will announce a major tariff on pharma, and when these companies hear that, they will leave China and other countries because most of their products are sold here. And they will be opening their plants here,” he said.

    Trump proposed that new import tariffs would be so hefty that they would push companies out of places like China and India and back into US manufacturing centers. He did not provide a specific timeframe, but he hinted that a big pharma tariff announcement was coming soon, and that ratcheted up worry on Wall Street.

    What This Means for Investors

    The immediate selloff across pharma counters highlights the fragility of Indian drugmakers in relation to changes in US trade policy. The share prices of pharma companies fell in reaction to Trump’s remarks, and his potential influence on US government policy is now most acutely being felt in that sector. The vulnerability of drugmakers to a Trump-led sea change in US trade relations was made clear in the immediate post-election period, highlighted by today’s sharp reaction to comments by the president-elect.

    In the coming weeks, analysts anticipate sustained upheaval in pharmaceutical equities, especially those with significant stake in the US generics space. For the moment, risk-off sentiment has taken root, with many portfolio managers seeking to recalibrate away from export-dependent names and to hunker down in more domestically oriented, policy-resilient holdings.

  • Savers, Brace for Impact: Deposit Rates Set to Fall as RBI Cuts Repo Rate

    The Reserve Bank of India‘s decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points has created renewed worries for depositors and savers, even as borrowers greet the decision with smiles. Over the last two months, the repo rate has been trimmed by a total of 50 basis points, a cut that is a signal change in the RBI’s stance even as inflation remains muted and growth remains fragile.  There is no question that this is a benign development for those who have taken loans, both in terms of getting new funds and for those who are repaying old loans. But what this means for Fixed Deposit (FD) holders is another matter.

    In response, banks have started to modify their deposit schemes. Kotak Mahindra Bank was the first to take such action, paring down fixed deposit rates by as much as 15 basis points across some tenures. As of April 9, 2025, the bank offers rates across various tenures that range from 2.75% to 7.30% for the general public and 3.25% to 7.80% for senior citizens.

    Senior Citizens and Conservative Investors Take a Hit

    People reliant on set incomes, especially older adults, are likely to take the hardest hits from this shift. Such investors have usually counted on the safe, dependable returns of term deposits.

    As more banks align with the RBI’s direction, rates will likely keep sliding. HDFC Bank has already lowered its FD returns, discontinuing its high-interest schemes that previously offered up to 7.40% for longer terms. In recent days, Bandhan Bank, Yes Bank, and Equitas Small Finance Bank have also trimmed their FD rates.

    Shrinking Margins, Changing Liquidity Dynamics

    The relatively stable nature of savings deposit rates, accounting for around 30% of deposit share, has dampened the overall transmission of the policy rate cuts to the depositors, according to the State Bank of India. But with CASA deposits declining and banks being under pressure to manage liquidity, even these rates may not hold steady for long.

    SBI observes that term deposit rates are impacted in a much stronger way than lending rates. This starts to compress the net interest margins for banks, a kind of no-man’s-land indicator that could signal at least two broader trends. One is what’s happening on the funding side. Since term deposits are generally less liquid than demand deposits and there is still a healthy growth in demand deposits, banks could be moving towards a structure where they pay less for the funds they are using to make loans.

    As fixed deposit rates are expected to fall even more in the coming months, analysts suggest that investors should take the time to secure high-yield rates. Vijay Kuppa, CEO of InCred Money, said that locking in current FD offers is a good strategy for investors, much more so, he said, if inflation remains low and future interest rate cuts are seemingly on the horizon.

  • Ajay Devgn & Cartel Bros Debut GlenJourneys 21-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch with Just 600 Bottles

    Acclaimed actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn has partnered with luxury spirits house Cartel Bros to launch ‘The Glen Journeys Pioneer Edition, ‘ a premium 21-year-old Highland single malt scotch whisky. This exclusive release marks a significant milestone in India’s luxury spirits landscape. The Pioneer Edition boasts a robust 48% ABV, presented in an elegantly crafted oak-finished cask with intricate inlay detailing. This limited release will be available through select travel retail channels worldwide, catering to discerning connoisseurs and collectors. While travel retail prices for the 21-year-old single malt are forthcoming, The GlenJourneys will also offer three non-age statement expressions: Rum Cask, Bourbon Cask, and Sherry Cask. These variants will be priced between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000. This launch underscores Cartel Bros’ commitment to delivering exceptional luxury spirits experiences, further elevating India’s premium whisky segment.

    Today, Mumbai witnessed the exclusive launch announcement as, The GlenJourneys marks the arrival of a limited release single malt scotch whisky that embodies adventure, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The limited Pioneer’s Edition provides an exclusive chance for a select few to own a piece of whisky history before it arrives in India.

    India Launch – The Cask Series to Follow This August

    While the flagship 21-year-old single malt debuts globally, Indian whisky lovers can look forward to the brand’s Cask Series, scheduled for release in August 2025. This special collection of cask-aged single malts will highlight the unique finishes and expressions designed specifically for the Indian market. Further details on the cask types, expressions, tasting notes, and limited edition bottlings are expected to be revealed by the end of August.

    “The GlenJourneys is a culmination of passion and artistry, a tribute to the untamed spirit of the Highlands,” states Mr. Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz, Mansionz, and Co-founder of Cartel Bros. “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a collection that transcends the ordinary, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience.”

    From the first sip to the lingering finish, each moment with The GlenJourneys is an expedition of flavor. Driven by the expertise of Cartel Bros, the makers of The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky and the leadership of co-founders Mr. Mokksh Sani, Mr. Jitin Merani, Mr. Rohan Nihalani, Mr. Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Mr. Neeraj Singh.

    The GlenJourneys, crafted in the Scottish Highlands, is a 21-year-old Single Malt whisky that embodies the essence of its rugged origins. Aged exclusively in hand-selected American oak casks, it is smooth, complex, and deeply evocative, shaped by time and nature. It opens with velvety vanilla sweetness and ripe fruit, leading into a palate that is silky, layered, and luxuriously mellow. The journey concludes with a long, lingering finish, where subtle whispers of smoke remind you of the untamed wilderness from which it was born.

    “Bringing The Glen Journeys 21‑year‑old Highland single malt to life has been a journey of passion and precision,” said Mr. Ajay Devgn. “Every detail of the brand reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. With this collaboration with Cartel Bros we  offer an exceptional whisky to connoisseurs worldwide, starting with the introduction of the 21-year-old single malt whisky in travel retail channels across the world.”

    Cartel Bros. has long been a force to reckon with in the world of fine spirits, pushing boundaries, redefining luxury, and elevating whisky culture. With the resounding success of The Glenwalk, they established themselves as curators of excellence, known for their relentless pursuit of perfection. Cartel Bros. has successfully activated its operations in more than 50 cities across 12 Indian states, with a growing presence in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with rapid expansion plans in other international regions soon. 

    Now, with The GlenJourneys, they introduce a whisky that is both an homage to tradition and a bold step into the future. Every drop reflects their commitment to craft, their understanding of the modern connoisseur, and their passion for creating expressions that stand the test of time. As Cartel Bros. expands its legacy, The GlenJourneys stands as a statement of luxury, rarity, and refinement, setting a new standard for India’s growing ultra-premium whisky scene.

    About the GlenJourneys

    The GlenJourneys is a 21-year-old exclusive single malt Scotch whisky crafted by Cartel Bros., the creators of Glenwalk, and co-founded by Ajay Devgn. Aged in hand-selected American oak casks, this limited-edition whisky delivers a rich, smooth, and complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, ripe fruit, and a lingering whisper of smoke. 

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  • This Year, Government will Introduce Incentive Programe for Critical Minerals

    According to media reports, the union administration intends to introduce an incentive programme later this year to promote the recycling of 24 essential minerals, such as cobalt and lithium. According to a media outlet, the sops can be in the form of production-linked incentives (PLI) or “subsidies on capital expenditure”. The plan aims to increase India’s capacity to recycle lithium-ion batteries and is expected to run for four to five years. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which has a total budget of INR 16,300 Cr, was approved by the Union Cabinet in January of this year. Accordingly, 24 minerals have been designated by the government as “critical” to achieving the nation’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions goals by 2070. Additionally, INR 1,500 Cr has been allocated by the mission to provide incentives for the establishment of recycling facilities. To uncover India’s vital mineral reserves, VL Kantha Rao, the secretary in the ministry of mines, made a pitch on April 8 for an exploration licence regime.

    Empowering Private Entities

    “Such a policy shift would shift the focus from passive ownership to active exploration,” Rao said at an event in New Delhi. He also added that the regime will “empower” private entities to conduct large-scale early-stage exploration for minerals like lithium and platinum group elements (PGEs), among others. Sanjay Lohiya, the ministry’s additional secretary, also affirmed that the government was committed to fostering an exploration ecosystem that was competitive, technologically advanced, and investment-friendly. The remarks take place when the Centre is making every effort to acquire vital minerals required for the switch to green energy. These metals, which are utilised in solar panels, semiconductors, cell phones, and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, are the fundamental components of contemporary technology.

    Expanding India’s Capacity to Recycle Lithium-ion Batteries

    The programme should contribute to increasing India’s annual lithium-ion battery recycling capacity from the present 75,000 metric tonnes. In February, the government eliminated customs duties on the trash and scrap of twelve essential materials, such as lithium-ion batteries and powdered lead, zinc, and cobalt, in an effort to increase availability. Some of these are necessary for the development of electric vehicles, which India is attempting to promote in order to lessen its dependency on fossil fuels. Although they only made about 2.5% of the 4.3 million cars sold in India in 2024, EV sales increased by 20% compared to just 5% for the entire auto industry. Due mostly to new launches, analysts predict that sales will quadruple to over 200,000 in 2025.